Transmigrated with a Demon-Refining Pot: Hehehe, Refine in an instant

Black Stone Ridge.

Baron Hosen received the letter at noon the following day.

The messenger was a knight from Green Lake Territory, who had been running all night and whose horse was exhausted. The knight stood in the castle hall, covered in sweat and with anxiety on his face.

"My lord, the Reach has captured our port. Baron Austin requests your troops so that the three of us can attack the Reach together."

Hossen, sitting in his chair, heard the news and sighed inwardly:

"They've come after all! Is there really no peace in this frontier?"

Hossen looked down at the letter in his hand.

Austin's handwriting is messy; his hand was probably shaking when he wrote it.

The letter berated Ron, accusing him of breaking the rules and disrupting the peace of the frontier, and saying that if they didn't join forces, Blackrock Ridge would be the next to be swallowed up.

"If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. I hope Blackrock Territory can put aside its prejudices and work together to resist the invasion of River Reach."

Hossen put the letter down and remained silent for a long time.

He certainly knew the saying "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold." But he also knew that his old bones couldn't withstand any more hardship.

He is fifty-eight years old this year. In this world, serfs can only live to their forties or fifties.

He was a high-ranking knight's squire, physically stronger than the average person, but after being severely wounded on the battlefield, his health deteriorated year by year. He could still hold on with his battle aura for now, but what about in a few years?

He didn't want war. He just wanted to pass this territory to his son peacefully.

But he also knew that if Green Lake fell, Black Stone Ridge would be next.

"Go and fetch Wald," he said to the servant.

Wald Warehouse, his captain of the guard and a high-ranking knight's squire, had served him for over a decade. In his forties, he was as strong as an ox and the most formidable fighter in Blackrock Ridge.

Wald arrived quickly. After reading the letter, his face darkened.

"Sir, what do you think?"

Hossen leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and thought for a long time.

"Send troops," he said.

Wald paused for a moment: "Sir, are we really going to fight?"

"We may not necessarily fight, but we must send troops!" Hosen opened his eyes.

"Austin is right. We must suppress the annexation momentum of the River Reach and let him know that we are not easy to deal with. If he insists on taking it, it will result in mutual destruction."

Wald understood: "Then shall we send troops to the port?"

"No! Instead of attacking the port, let's gather all three forces together at River Bend."

"Austin wants to take back the port, but that's impossible. Ron won't give up what he's already got his hands on."

"Austin's biggest problem is its lack of strength; it can't hold onto that port. Continuing to hold it would only invite envy."

"Even if we manage to repel the River Bend Territory and retake the port this time, won't they come back next time? There's no need for us to risk our lives for them."

"Go and get ready," Hossen said.

"Take 150 men. The rest will guard the castle."

"Sir, are you going in person?"

"Let's all go. Even if we lose, he can't possibly kill us all, can he?"

Hossen stood up, then stopped:

"Write another letter to Hansongling. Ask Clark how many people he can send."

Cold Pine Ridge.

When Baron Clark received the letter, he was in his territory taking stock of the remaining serfs.

He had been captured by the orcs and had only recently returned. It had taken him a tremendous amount of effort just to set up his stall again.

Now this has happened at Green Lake Territory.

After reading the letter, he gave a bitter laugh.

"Sir, shall we send troops?" the subordinate asked.

Clark remained silent for a long time.

"out!"

The subordinate hesitated for a moment: "Sir, what should we do now...?"

"Send twenty men, I'll lead the team myself!" Clark interrupted him.

He stood up and walked to the window. Outside the window lay the territory of Hansong Ridge, with vast stretches of farmland lying fallow and empty farmhouses, a sight that saddened him.

A cool breeze blew in from the south. He wrapped his cloak tighter around himself and felt that this spring was colder than winter.

Deploying troops takes time, especially for coalition forces like this, where good communication is even more crucial.

Two days later.

The armies of the three territories met at the border between Cold Pine Territory and River Bend Territory.

Green Lake led out 5 men, including one high-ranking squire, Austin himself, five mid-ranking men, and several low-ranking men.

One hundred and fifty men came from Blackrock Ridge: two high-ranking squires, Baron Hosen and Captain Wald of the Guard; four mid-ranking men; and several low-ranking men.

Twenty men emerged from Cold Pine Ridge: one high-ranking squire, Baron Clark himself; three mid-ranking squires; and very few low-ranking ones—truly the worst situation. His knights had suffered heavy losses in recent years, and he hadn't managed to train any new ones.

The three teams together numbered over three hundred people. That seems like a lot, but upon closer inspection, only a handful were truly capable fighters.

The three groups met by the roadside, and none of them looked too happy.

"That's all?" Austin looked at the twenty people from Hansongling, his brows furrowed so deeply they could trap flies.

Clark didn't respond.

It's already a miracle that he even came; why would he complain that it's not enough?

Hossen smoothed things over, saying, "That's enough. Our main goal this time is to make the River Bend Territory back down. If we can talk, then we should."

"talk?"

Austin's voice shrill: "Ron seized my port, and now you want me to negotiate with him?"

"You think you can beat him? He has three high-ranking subordinates; none of our factions can defeat him."

"Even if all three attack together, how many of our high-ranking members will we lose? Who will die, you or me?" Hosen said calmly.

Austin remained silent.

"If he takes a hard line or makes another move after negotiations, it means he's got us cornered. In that case, we'll fight him to the end," Hosen said, looking at him.

Clark nodded in agreement: "Brother Hossen is right!"

Ron couldn't possibly have missed such a big commotion from the three teams.

The other side's intentions were quite clear: either a decisive battle or peace talks.

Ron naturally gathered everyone together, and under these circumstances, he wouldn't go to raid their base.

After all, the prerequisite for raiding someone's base is being able to wipe out their entire team.

Ron rode his horse and led his men out of the manor. The two groups met on the wasteland.

Ron's side had 150 men, only half the number of the allied forces, but their morale was overwhelming.

"Hey neighbors, coming over for a visit?" Ron said with a smile as he led Hart and the others forward.

The three opposing lords also stepped forward.

Hossen was at the front; he wasn't very agile, but he rode quite steadily. Austin was on the right, his face grim, and when he saw Ron, the hatred in his eyes almost overflowed.

As for the international student, he's too poor right now, and Mr. Ron hasn't noticed him.

The old cripple spoke up: "Baron Ron, you've been very busy lately."

"It's alright, it's alright, but I'm destined to be a busybody, unlike you lords who can sit at home and still get golden dragons."

"Let's be frank," the old cripple said helplessly.

"What exactly is Baron Ron thinking? We can't possibly send us all to keep Boris company."

"That's impossible! How can that be allowed?"

"Return the port to Green Lake Territory. You can expand northward, we won't interfere. But you can't touch the territories of the lords in the rear," Hossen bargained.

Ron scoffed, "Are you still half asleep?"

"Do I need your permission to expand northward? You want me to return the ports I've captured? I ask you, on what grounds?"

"Because we are stronger than you, you have to return the port to me," Austin said impatiently.

He truly couldn't bear to give up the port.

The old cripple and Clark stood to the side, their faces darkening. This was practically trying to drag them into it!

Ron laughed in exasperation. This guy really was willing to risk his life for money.

Ron led his men back to the group without saying a word.

The negotiations were on the verge of collapse.

Hossen quickly interjected, "This clause is Baron Austin's own opinion; Baron Clark and I do not agree with his ideas."

"Baron Ron, you're still young. You have plenty of time to expand northwards. The northern wilderness is vast enough to keep you busy for a lifetime. Why bother targeting us old folks?"

Ron chuckled and said, "Baron Hosen, I understand what you mean."

"But we really should have a fight today, otherwise I'm afraid some people will be dissatisfied and cause trouble, and if I accidentally kill someone, it will be a problem."

Hossen was silent for a moment, then nodded solemnly: "Alright then."

And so the two sides began to fight each other on the wasteland.

But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Blackstone Territory and Cold Pine Territory didn't contribute much at all.

Ron's team was also mainly targeting Austin's players.

During this time, Ron demonstrated the combat prowess of a high-ranking knight's squire, which surprised even the old cripple and his men.

The River Reach has four high-ranking squires, and Ron is so young.

The old cripple secretly wondered if he could take another path.

The battle unfolded in a bizarre manner, and Austin's side was quickly dealt a heavy blow.

The main problem was that Austin himself wasn't very strong in combat. During his fight with Ron, he was forced to reveal many of his trump cards.

Ron forced out high-level spell scrolls, items that could block high-level attacks, and so on.

He quickly escaped the battlefield under the cover of his men.

Then the battle was basically over.

After that, no one discussed the ownership of the port anymore.

Ron said calmly, "I understand why you've come. I personally still love peace."

"The port matter is a private matter between me and Baron Austin. But since you two are here, I'll give you face."

He looked at Austin: "I've taken the harbor. But I won't touch the castle in Green Lake."

"If Baron Austin wants to take back the port, fine. Come and get it whenever you can defeat me."

Austin's face turned ashen, but he didn't say anything.

Ron then looked at Hossen and Clark:

"I won't touch your territories. But let me make this clear: I won't touch your territories, so don't mess with me. If anyone dares to trip me up, don't blame me for being impolite."

He paused, then his voice deepened: "I've always been one to offer courtesy first, then resort to force."

Hossen was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Alright! Baron Ron is straightforward. Then it's settled."

"It's a deal, I guarantee it with my reputation," Ron said.

Clark nodded; he hadn't intended to fight in the first place.

Only Austin remained expressionless. But he knew this was the best possible outcome; Hossen and his men wouldn't stand idly by and watch themselves be wiped out, nor would they risk their lives for others.

"Let's go." He turned his horse around and led his men back.

Hossen and Clark exchanged a glance and then each led their men away.

On the wasteland, the banners of the Three Leaders gradually faded into the distance.

Ron had no intention of taking advantage of the situation to eliminate these people.

A letter just arrived from Oakwood warning him not to cause trouble, otherwise he would turn around and kill or capture the three lords. Marquis Mammon would lose face and would definitely cause trouble.